An SMRT bus driver has been suspended after hitting a construction worker at a junction on Anson Road, sparking fresh concerns about workplace safety in Singapore.
KEY POINTS
IN SIMPLE TERMS
A bus hit a construction worker who was placing a traffic cone, and the worker was taken to hospital. The bus driver has been suspended, and authorities are investigating. This incident is raising questions about how safe work sites and bus operations really are.
WHY IT MATTERS
WHERE DO YOU STAND?
Should Singapore impose stricter safety requirements for vehicles operating near construction sites?
👍 👎 Vote ↓SMRT suspends bus driver after running over a construction worker.
On the evening of 27 June 2024, a right-turning SMRT bus, service 970, collided with a construction worker.
The Straits Times has shared the scary details of the incident.
A video posted online shows the bus hit and seemingly run over the 33-year-old worker.
He was placing a traffic cone when the bus, for reasons unknown, hit him.
Luckily, the worker was conscious when taken to the Singapore General Hospital.
No passengers were in the SMRT bus during the sad event at the worksite.
Here are some key points to note:
According to Vincent Gay, Deputy Managing Director of SMRT Buses, “The bus captain involved has been suspended and we are assisting the police in their investigations.”
No statement has been provided by the Ministry of Manpower yet.
Meanwhile, concerns over workplace complacency have come into the spotlight.
Minister Zaqy Mohamad urges attention to fight rise in workplace incidents.
He highlighted the pressing need to keep workplaces safe amid growing concerns.
Take a look at this quick table for a clear overview:
| Date and Time | Main Events/Actions |
|---|---|
| 27 June, around 5.20pm | SMRT bus hits construction worker while turning right. |
| Immediate Actions | Worker attended by medical teams and taken to SGH for treatment. |
| Captain’s Status | Suspension of bus captain, help with police investigations. |
| Safety Concerns | Public concern over bus operations and workplace safety rules. |
The incident puts a spotlight on the need for safety in construction zones.
It may prompt the Ministry of Manpower to review and change safety rules.
Any lack in workplace safety measures will likely be carefully looked at.
In recent years, Singapore reported 36 deaths and 590 major injuries in workplace incidents.
The public’s concern revolves around the welfare of construction workers.
Media fallout could lead to closer checking on company rules for safety.
Overall, this incident might start fresh talks on worker rights.
As investigations continue, the safety of Singapore’s workers remains a very important and sensitive topic.
Should Singapore impose stricter safety requirements for vehicles operating near construction sites?
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